New Temple head coach Stan Drayton shares what he learned from Jim Tressel

The Temple Owls were able to poach running back coach Stan Drayton away from the Texas Longhorns. Drayton will be a head coach for the first time in his career and during his introductory press conference, was quick to share what he learned from previous coaches.

Drayton was asked to clarify on an earlier comment when he said former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel protected his players. The new head coach responded with a passionate answer, proving he will be a player’s head coach during his time at Temple.

“Because he got in trouble for that, right?,” Drayton said. “But the one thing about Jim Tressel is he’s never going to let any outside source, whether it be media or anything, whether the kid was right or wrong in his actions, he’s going to do everything in his power to protect his integrity, protect his character, protect his reputation.  Because he always thought that, hey, kids will make mistakes, but they still have a future to live.  And there are so many times wherein this business we’re in, a kid gets bad press, a kid gets a bad rep, and then their future, the growth gets stunted in that respect. 

“So Jim Tressel did a phenomenal job of making sure that, hey, if a mistake is made, we’re going to learn from our mistakes, but I want you to know I still have your back, I still will support you in all good, bad, whatever it may be that you experience.  While you’re here with me, I’ve got your back.  And I really respect that about Jim Tressel.”

While Drayton was never on staff with Tressel at Ohio State, the former running backs coach did work under Urban Meyer in Colombus. His player’s first mentality has clearly worked over the years, with players such as Bijan Robinson and Ezekiel Elliot having nothing but praise when discussing Drayton.

Now, he will be attempting to do it with his own program in Temple. Preceding Drayton will be the likes of Steve Addazio, Geoff Collins, Al Golden, and Matt Rhule. All of them went on to get major Power Five jobs after their stops in Philadelphia.

However, Temple will be looking for some consistency from their head coach, especially after letting go of Rod Carey. The last two seasons say a combined record of 4-15, with a 2-13 record inside the American Conference. Drayton will be looking to restore the program, attempting to get back to bowl games on a yearly basis.